The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) held the inaugural observance of International Coffee Day at its Rome headquarters, marking a date — 1 October — that the UN General Assembly officially designated on 10 March 2026. Held under the theme "Celebrating Coffee, Honouring the People Behind Every Cup," the event brought together members, partners, delegates and guests to explore coffee's journey from seed to cup and its role in shaping contemporary societies.
The coffee sector supports the livelihoods of up to 25 million farmers worldwide, with smallholder farms estimated to account for as much as 80 percent of all coffee farms. In 2024, global coffee bean production exceeded 11 million tonnes, while the value of global trade surpassed $34 billion. Brazil and Viet Nam together accounted for nearly half of world coffee production and were the top exporters that year; the European Union and the United States of America were among the largest importers. The sector also generates employment and income throughout the value chain and provides a critical source of export revenues for many low- and middle-income countries.
Coffee producers nonetheless face significant challenges, including climate variability, market volatility, economic shocks and income disparities along the value chain. FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, speaking at the opening ceremony, said that "International Coffee Day is about celebrating more than just a drink, it is about the human diversity that connects us." He also noted that "building a more resilient coffee sector requires investment in sustainable and climate-smart production systems, better access to innovation and technology, as well as greater opportunities especially for smallholder farmers." FAO additionally reaffirmed its partnership with the International Coffee Organization and their deepened cooperation in support of the coffee sector.
The observance also recognised the contributions of women across the coffee value chain — as producers, processors, entrepreneurs, traders and leaders — while noting that women continue to face persistent barriers in accessing land, finance, technology, services and markets. This recognition was framed within the context of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. High-level statements from representatives of Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Italy reflected on their countries' coffee sectors and traditions. A coffee tasting segment featured samples from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, Italy, Panama, Türkiye and Venezuela, accompanied by storytelling about local traditions.
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